Why Schools Should Be Like A Family Restaurant
By George & Alec Couros
introduction
“We need to teach kids to respect the past but to live in the future.”
Marc Prensky
social objects as connectors
“the term ‘social networking’ makes little sense if we leave out the objects that mediate the ties between people.”
“To answer your question, I did use Youtube to learn how to dance. I
consider it my ‘main’ teacher.”
“To answer your question, I did use Youtube to learn how to dance. I
consider it my ‘main’ teacher.”
“10 years ago, street dance was very exclusive, especially rare dances like popping
(the one I teach and do). You either had to learn it from a friend that knew it or get VHS
tapes which were hard to get. Now with Youtube, anyone, anywhere in the world can
learn previously ‘exclusive’ dance styles.”
is our prescribed curriculum enough?
how do we embrace social connectors?
leaders must be visible
know your customers
It is always about relationships.
cater to unique tastes
“This generation thinks in pictures, words, and still and moving images and is comfortable mixing them all in the same space.”
Nick Bilton
We don’t need to do the same things differently,
we need to different things.
Student Led Assemblies
Hip Hop
Identity Day
Forest Green News
Student Led Conference
1-1 Laptop Program
Pu#et Pals
continuously assess your menu
Bleep
Visitors vs. Residents
“The average digital birth of children happens at about 6 months.”
“The average digital birth of children happens at about 6 months.”
“In Canada, US, UK, France Italy, Germany & Spain ... 81% of children under the age of two have some kind
of digital profile or footprint.”
Text
“Children approach thrills and risks in a progressive manner, and very few children would try to climb the highest point the first
time they climb. The best thing is to let children encounter these challenges from an early age, and they will progressively learn to
master them through play over the years.”
importance of atmosphere
create repeat customers
Schools need to start realizing
that kids and families have a choice.
understand reputation
“Privacy is no longer possible ...”
“Privacy is no longer possible ...”
“... the technical infrastructure for creating and sharing content has been simplified to the point where
anyone with even limited technical skills can participate.”
“Privacy is no longer possible ...”
“... the technical infrastructure for creating and sharing content has been simplified to the point where
anyone with even limited technical skills can participate.”
“Social spaces and the process of identity creation and growing up
require some “forgivability”.”
transparency
Crowdsourcing
network mentors
“Web 2.0 tools exist that might allow academics to reflect and reimagine what they do as scholars. Such tools might positively affect -- even transform - research, teaching, and
service responsibilities - only if scholars choose to build serious academic lives online, presenting semi-public selves and becoming invested in and connected to the
work of their peers and students.” (Greenhow, Robelia, & Hughes, 2009)
importance of having fun
final thoughts
Let individuality shine through.
Some of the best learning is social.
Get out there and mingle.
We all need passion for what we do.
Thank You for Learning with Us
@courosa
@gcouros